Tuesday Morning Open Thread

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Blog Related
Posted on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 09:40:36 AM EST
Tags: (all tags)

Share This: Digg!

What's going on today?

This is an Open Thread.

< R.I.P. Patrick Swayze | Media: Who Do You Read? What Do You Watch? What Do You Listen To? >

The Online Magazine with Liberal coverage of crime-related political and injustice news

Menu

Home | About | RSS
E-Mail | Comment Policy |
Search
Login

Make a new account

Existing Users

Username:
Password:
Creator and Principal Author
- Jeralyn E. Merritt
TL Alumni

Contribute To TalkLeft

Sections
Site Credits
- TalkLeft Graphics by C.L., Our Man in Hollywood (2006 - 2008)
- TalkLeft Header Graphic by Monk
- Powered by Scoop
Legal
- All Content Copyright ©2002-2024. Reprints only by permission from TalkLeft.com
- Nothing on this site should be construed as legal advice. TalkLeft does not give legal advice.
- TalkLeft is not responsible for and often disagrees with material posted in the comments section. Read at your own risk.
"The pump don't work 'cause the vandals took the handles"
© 1965 Bob Dylan

Tuesday Morning Open Thread | 142 comments (142 topical)

Readers Must Login or Create an Account to Comment

Hopefully (5.00 / 3) (#1)
by lilburro on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 09:45:00 AM EST

this poll gets a lot of play:

Poll Finds Most Doctors Support Public Option

Most doctors -- 63 percent -- say they favor giving patients a choice that would include both public and private insurance. That's the position of President Obama and of many congressional Democrats. In addition, another 10 percent of doctors say they favor a public option only; they'd like to see a single-payer health care system. Together, the two groups add up to 73 percent.

"lefty fringe" (5.00 / 1) (#6)
by Stellaaa on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 10:11:21 AM EST

Does that throw Doctors into the lefty loony fringe?

Parent

: Maybe the 10% of doctors who said... (none / 0) (#12)
by EL seattle on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 10:29:23 AM EST

...they favored a public option only would qualify for that description.

Parent

Unclear from article (5.00 / 1) (#10)
by dk on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 10:28:27 AM EST

whether the doctors support Obama's position or not.

On the article's face, they do not seem to support Obama's position. Obama is to the right of them.

The article says that 63% of doctors support a choice of public or private options for their patients. Obama's stated position is that only a maximum of 5% of Americans should have the choice for a publicly administered healthcare plan.

Parent

I think the poll (none / 0) (#22)
by lilburro on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 10:40:40 AM EST

is more significant as a measure of support for the "nose in the tent" approach that BTD touts. And more than that, it's a way to pushback against right-wing arguments that "doctors hate this health-care reform."

Parent

: It may or may not (5.00 / 1) (#27)
by dk on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 10:50:33 AM EST

be an argument for a "nose in the tent" approach.
IMO, it is what it is, namely doctors saying that patients should be able to choose a publicly administered health care plan if they want. I would think that "patients" would imply all patients, not a very small percentage of patients, which Obama assured the nation in his speech last week would be the only ones who would have such a choice. This would go along with the poll that shows that 72% of Americans want a government run healthcare plan that is available to everyone.
If "progressives" want to say that doctors support Obama's plan, which restricts choice of a public plan to a very small percentage of the American public, that's the question they should ask. Twisting polls to say what they don't say doesn't really make much sense to me.

Parent

I've discussed health care (insurance) (5.00 / 1) (#63)
by Chuck0 on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:23:01 AM EST

reform with my doctor. She certainly supports a public option. She has no quarrel with single payer. She sees no difference in what the shriekers on the right are warning against with respect to government bureaucrats in charge of health care and the current behavior of insurance companies being in charge of health care. She feels (as do I) that at least the government can be held more accountable than the corporations that now dictate what health care treatments you are allowed to have or what drugs you are allowed to take.

Parent

My gyn says that Obama (none / 0) (#70)
by Militarytracy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:28:13 AM EST

is going to destroy everything and everyone :) He also only dates women at least 20 years younger than he is, says he will never marry, and still lives with his mom. He seems to have some very "original" views and lifestyle for the South, but he is 100% with the Southern elites when it comes to talking about how Obama is going to break the system that is already broken :)

Parent

to be honest (none / 0) (#74)
by lilburro on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:31:05 AM EST

he kind of sounds like a weird gyn to have, MT!

Parent

He's extremely weird (5.00 / 2) (#84)
by Militarytracy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:38:09 AM EST

While at the same time being a pretty good doctor too. I don't feel this way about my more normal GP. He is superior when it comes to listening to his patients concerns though...he's never blown me off when I've had questions or concerns. Stays very versed in all the drugs being pushed out there...knows what is a benefit and what is just more marketing. He starts mammograms on all his patients at 40 and did catch two breast cancers very early in very young women and that just fuels his mammogram passion now. He's weird but he's good at the same time. He had a small fight with cancer last year and I was concerned about losing his weird services. If he ever pulled anything, don't worry, I'm fine with kicking him in the face :)

Parent

Sounds a bit like the very strange (5.00 / 1) (#90)
by scribe on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:44:07 AM EST

and very nasty character played by Jason Patric in "Your Friends and Neighbors" (not a date movie).

Parent

I'm going to have to find that (none / 0) (#106)
by Militarytracy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 12:24:23 PM EST

I've never seen it. It looks interesting.

Parent

: If you're gonna watch it, (5.00 / 1) (#122)
by scribe on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 02:05:06 PM EST

make sure the kids are out. It is not easy material. No physical blood or violence - just the emotional kind.

Parent

Neal LaBute. (none / 0) (#107)
by Chuck0 on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 12:28:36 PM EST

I've seen a couple of his plays down in DC.

Parent

I tend to think... (none / 0) (#139)
by kdog on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 03:32:28 PM EST

though it is most difficult to hold either bueracratic monster accountable, it is more difficult to hold government accountable.

You can stop paying premiums to insurance companies, no premiums collected no insurance company...you can't stop paying taxes without getting locked up. And the government can change their rules at the stroke of a pen. The vote in a two-party system isn't holding anybody accountable...Brand D and Brand R are far too similar.

Parent

I think the gist of it is (none / 0) (#149)
by Chuck0 on Wed Sep 16, 2009 at 10:02:55 AM EST

the argument about bureaucrats standing between you and your doctor is a non-starter. Every single doctor in practice today, unless he/she only accepts cash payments, has to deal with a bureaucrat to get paid, to get medication approved, to get procedures and care approved.

I have pretty good health insurance through my employer. But even with that, I'm having a big problem getting physical therapy right now for an arthritic knee because I can't find a provider to accepts my insurance.

Most of the right's arguments against reform are all pure BS. I can only assume that most of them have never actually had to use or deal with their insurance providers.

Parent

: I agree... (none / 0) (#150)
by kdog on Wed Sep 16, 2009 at 10:16:17 AM EST

a bueracrat is a beuracrat...the million dollar question is which batch of bueracrats will better serve us? I sure don't know the answer...all I know is which batch of bueracrats wants me subject to arrest at all times, so they scare me a little more.

Parent

Lowering health care costs (5.00 / 1) (#2)
by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 09:52:52 AM EST

Can anyone exolain how a tax on medical devices is going to lower health care costs? This is nuts.

Whats going on? (5.00 / 1) (#4)
by SOS on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 10:01:26 AM EST

Well, it's a beautiful warm morning, blue sky, birds are fluttering around, the sun is shining, it's quiet, calm, nice, inspiring . . .

As seen inside the TV, and the computer monitor?

Uh well that's another story.

I'm not in the materialistc (none / 0) (#5)
by SOS on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 10:09:01 AM EST

centers of L.A. or N.Y. in case it's not obvious.

Parent

: I'm near "materialistic" NY... (none / 0) (#7)
by kdog on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 10:12:43 AM EST

and its a beautiful day here too brother...unless you were on the receiving end of that raid mentioned above, or another raid.
Unless you're on 144th St. you wouldn't know unless you use the tv, computer, or newspaper...but I hear ya, ignorance is bliss.

Parent

just applied (5.00 / 1) (#9)
by english teacher on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 10:26:57 AM EST

for a park ranger job at longmire visitor center mt. rainier national park. wish me luck!

good luck! (5.00 / 1) (#13)
by CST on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 10:31:16 AM EST

Days like today, make me seriously rethink my line of work. Park ranger sounds great.

Parent

also (5.00 / 1) (#17)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 10:37:29 AM EST

its almost unseemly to talk about an exciting new job but I may have some news in the next few days.
I think its interesting enough to talk about even if I dont get the job but I since I am superstitious I want to wait . . .

Parent

in this economic (none / 0) (#18)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 10:38:05 AM EST

environment, I mean

Parent

Can't wait to hear - good luck (none / 0) (#26)
by ruffian on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 10:46:20 AM EST

You seem to do interesting work. I have 'Delgo' from Netflix but haven't watched yet.

Parent

Im getting very excited (none / 0) (#29)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 10:53:21 AM EST

about this:

Paranormal Activity

Shock has the official poster for Paranormal Activity, the $11,000 supernatural Blair Witch-style thriller that Paramount is releasing later this month. Head on over to Shock to see the poster in higher resolution. Paranormal Activity is a terrifying supernatural thriller featuring shocking footage of a demonic haunting. Katie and Micah were enjoying a happy, carefree life. Their future looked promising until bizarre events began occurring at night. Katie was no stranger to paranormal phenomena - she had been stalked by a malevolent entity since childhood, and she feared that it had followed her to their new home. They purchased a video camera to find out what was happening at night as they slept.Over the course of three weeks in September and October of 2006, they ran nightly surveillance and captured indelible proof on home video, which has been edited into the feature film Paranormal Activity.

Parent

Speaking of movies... (5.00 / 1) (#36)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:02:20 AM EST

...and releases, this is just sad:

It seems the film Creation, a major-production biopic about Charles Darwin starring Paul Bettany and Jennifer Connelly, won't be seen in the United States because no distributor with the guts to stand up to the religious right in this country can be found:
The film was chosen to open the Toronto Film Festival and has its British premiere on Sunday. It has been sold in almost every territory around the world, from Australia to Scandinavia.
However, US distributors have resolutely passed on a film which will prove hugely divisive in a country where, according to a Gallup poll conducted in February, only 39 per cent of Americans believe in the theory of evolution.

Parent

oh fer f*cks sake (5.00 / 3) (#39)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:05:28 AM EST

that is unbelievable. or actually its not its just infuriating

Parent

Read about it yesterday (5.00 / 1) (#55)
by Militarytracy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:17:55 AM EST

Ticked me off. I'm sure we'll figure something out so that eventually we can enjoy the flick, but living in dumbed down nation not so much fun.

Parent

: maybe its just me (5.00 / 1) (#61)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:21:22 AM EST

but its getting harder and harder to argue with the "religion bad - secular good" thing.

Parent

39%? (5.00 / 1) (#75)
by mmc9431 on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:31:51 AM EST

I find it very hard to believe that only 39% believe in evolution. I wonder how the question was framed. Or is it that people say what they think is the least confrontational?

I must travel in a very unique circle!

Parent

: do you live in a larger (5.00 / 1) (#80)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:35:02 AM EST

metropolitan area? I suspect you would not be surprised if you did not.
I am not surprised. depressed. not surprised.

Parent
: I mean (none / 0) (#81)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:36:32 AM EST

I really think that a big budget studio movie with Jennifer Connelly cant get a distributor because they are "scared" pretty much sums it up.

Parent

Good thing they were (5.00 / 1) (#92)
by Inspector Gadget on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:45:13 AM EST

braver when Planet of the Apes wanted theater time.

So, if people don't believe in the theory of evolution, doesn't this simply make the film fictional?

Parent

Oh jeez.... (none / 0) (#142)
by sallywally on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 07:45:01 PM EST

Parent

Last night... (5.00 / 2) (#45)
by Dadler on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:12:38 AM EST

...for some reason, out of the blue, I started reading a bunch of stuff online about Zimbabwe, while my son was in the other room playing with his Legos. He never came into my office, never saw what I was reading about, but then when I was finished, I walked out of my office and as I'm walking down the hall to the living room I heard my son sing-song chanting "Zim-bab-we, Zim-bab-we, Zim-bab-we..."

Stopped me in my tracks.

The mind electric sends it signals.

Parent

: "...for some reason" (5.00 / 3) (#47)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:14:03 AM EST

interesting to wonder who had the idea first. you or him.

Parent

Messed up (none / 0) (#34)
by Militarytracy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:00:44 AM EST

Blair Witch ruined camping for a lot of my friends for awhile. Now sleeping is going to become optional? This looks like a flick I'm going to have to work very hard to keep away from Joshua. He already has a gifted imagination.

Parent

remember the other day (none / 0) (#37)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:04:07 AM EST

when I was waxing rhapsodic about the exciting job opportunities and direction of the game industry?
direct some positive employment vibes my way and I may have some news soon that will illustrate those points.
I have my second phone interview tonight.

Parent

: Radiating now!! (none / 0) (#51)
by Militarytracy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:16:20 AM EST

How exciting!!!!! Good luck. I'm typing on a gaming laptop right now just purchased by my husband to take with him to the zone. Being "wired" is not allowed so this is going to be his sole entertainment for awhile. Can't believe what gaming laptops cost.

Parent

Good luck! (5.00 / 1) (#19)
by lilburro on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 10:38:49 AM EST

I used to want to be a park ranger but found the application process to be too tough. I believe it really helps if you have prior park-related experience...and I did not.

I hope you get it and be sure to let us know if it is the best job in the world!

Parent

its a good gig (none / 0) (#15)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 10:35:41 AM EST

I have two cousins who are park rangers at Californias parks. they were both able to retire early.

Parent

That (none / 0) (#16)
by TeresaInSnow2 on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 10:37:16 AM EST

sounds like a dream job. Good luck!

Parent

wow, good luck (none / 0) (#24)
by ruffian on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 10:44:57 AM EST

My college roomie went on to be a park ranger for many years. Seemed wonderful to me.

Parent

Good luck (none / 0) (#31)
by MO Blue on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 10:54:55 AM EST

Parent

That's great! (none / 0) (#95)
by addy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 12:01:37 PM EST

Mt.Rainer is incredibly beautiful. Let me know if you get it, on our next camping trip down there we can stop and say Hi!

Parent

Congrats to Obama (5.00 / 1) (#21)
by Slado on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 10:40:16 AM EST

for calling Kayne a Jacka$$

It's a shame though that a private remark the president made is no longer private thanks to twitter etc...

I see a beer summit (5.00 / 2) (#59)
by coast on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:20:29 AM EST

coming with Kanye and Taylor Swift as attendees.

Parent

Root Beer Summit, that's what Leno said! (none / 0) (#68)
by Angel on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:25:26 AM EST

Parent

I think Taylor... (none / 0) (#69)
by kdog on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:26:03 AM EST

is underage...you trying to get the pres. locked up for serving minors? Oh yeah, the law don't apply to the pres..on with the summit!:)

Parent

Thats even better (none / 0) (#83)
by coast on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:37:46 AM EST

she is the automatic DD. Obama, Biden and Kanye can get trashed.

Parent

She's nicer than me then... (none / 0) (#87)
by kdog on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:41:21 AM EST

I'd tell all 3 pikers to call a cab:)

Parent

Do you suppose the MTV awards show (none / 0) (#129)
by oculus on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 02:59:28 PM EST

will institute drug testing for its presenters? Also--who ever heard of Taylor Swift before Kanye publicly dissed her? Great publicity.

Parent

Taylor Swift (none / 0) (#130)
by TeresaInSnow2 on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 03:01:02 PM EST

is actually pretty much huge in the teen set.

Huge.

Parent

Pretty sure I phrased that a bit broadly. (none / 0) (#136)
by oculus on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 03:09:07 PM EST

The other thing I learned from this kerfluffle: how to pronounce "Kanye."

Parent

If she's huge in the teen set (none / 0) (#137)
by TeresaInSnow2 on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 03:18:59 PM EST

darned sure parents have heard of her too.

She's broadly well-known.

Parent

: But (none / 0) (#138)
by TeresaInSnow2 on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 03:19:27 PM EST

no doubt she'll get some sympathy sales....which she deserves.

Parent

My nieces have... (none / 0) (#131)
by kdog on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 03:02:09 PM EST

She is right up there with the Jonas Brothers with the pre-teen set.

It's just nice to see them playing instruments...and the N-Sync/Backstreet Boy scene has become passe.

Parent

Not if they want any presenters... (none / 0) (#132)
by kdog on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 03:02:49 PM EST

they won't...it is the music business:)

Parent

Who ever heard of Taylor Swift before Kayne (none / 0) (#134)
by Angel on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 03:05:41 PM EST

publicly dissed her?

She was Billboard's Best-Selling Artist across all genres for 2008.

So I'd say quite a few people had heard of her before then.

Parent

Oh lord... (5.00 / 1) (#23)
by kdog on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 10:42:17 AM EST

Bloomy and his minions at it again...wanna ban smoking in city parks.

They out their minds...they really are.

Simply (5.00 / 4) (#41)
by eric on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:07:10 AM EST

more proof that it isn't about "health" it is about hating the smoking. If it was about health, perhaps we should be concerned about all of those cars, trucks, buses, and industry pumping out the pollutants. Instead, they target cigarettes - for "health" reasons. Gimme a break.

Parent

: Actually Bloomie is concerned (5.00 / 1) (#71)
by nycstray on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:30:09 AM EST

about health, all the cars and trucks etc. That's why all the cabs were put on a green order, we're planting a million trees, we're getting more bike lanes, he tried to stop traffic in Manhattan, we have weekend street closures, more fresh produce available etc . . .
Before they attack smokers some more, I would like to see even more done on the food and exercise front. That will help people quit smoking also . . . .

Parent
: Nail on the head Eric.... (none / 0) (#42)
by kdog on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:09:51 AM EST

nail on the head, my friend.

Parent

And more nanny state news... (none / 0) (#25)
by kdog on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 10:45:40 AM EST

from Jersey...school district "mandating" hand sanitization.

Glad I ain't in school no more!

Parent

Good for them (5.00 / 1) (#43)
by andgarden on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:11:28 AM EST

I've read that regular use by everyone in a given population can cut virus transmission by 30%.

Parent

I'll buy that... (5.00 / 1) (#53)
by kdog on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:17:08 AM EST

but what will the unintended consequences be? There are always unintended consequences, and in this case I fear they will come crashing down in the form of a super-duper virus.

Lets hope science can keep up, but as a betting man, my money is on mother nature.

Parent

I'm going the Vit D route (5.00 / 1) (#85)
by nycstray on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:38:47 AM EST

sounds like a win to me :)

Parent

: No question (none / 0) (#101)
by gyrfalcon on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 12:09:34 PM EST

that people with adequate Vit D levels, which most of us don't have, get less flu and milder flu. That's been documented.

Parent

Yup, until the bugs that survive the (none / 0) (#54)
by scribe on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:17:45 AM EST

hand sanitizer take over and multiply.

It's the same problem as over-prescribing antibiotics all over again.

Parent

There's a pretty big difference between (5.00 / 3) (#96)
by tigercourse on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 12:02:34 PM EST

antibiotics and hand sanitizers. Hand sanitizers are basically just pure alcohol with some fragrance. That's not something that germs build up a tolerance for, anymore then you or I could get used to drinking Drano.

Parent

Exactly (5.00 / 2) (#100)
by andgarden on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 12:08:46 PM EST

If the flu virus were going to become resistant to ethanol, my guess is it would have done so by now.

But kdog, if you're really so concerned, you should stop drinking booze now. Purell is basically 126 proof vodka with gel to keep it from dripping.

Parent

I don't wash my hands.... (none / 0) (#111)
by kdog on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 12:49:10 PM EST

in vodka..but now I know I can drink Purell if I ever need a snort in a pinch...Thanks!

Parent

: Just in case, it'll kill you quick. Pure alcohol (none / 0) (#112)
by tigercourse on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 12:58:26 PM EST

is very poisonous.

Parent
: I wouldn't do that if I were you (none / 0) (#113)
by andgarden on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 01:03:34 PM EST

There can be other ingredients like isopropyl alcohol that you do NOT want to consume.

Parent

Per IHT, French government recommends (none / 0) (#133)
by oculus on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 03:03:30 PM EST

NOT kissing each cheek as a form of greeting/farewell.

Parent

the "reaction" (5.00 / 3) (#56)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:19:15 AM EST

to hand sanitizer makes me laugh. I am amazed at how many people here seem to appear angry at the new hand sanitizer stations around the work place here.

it like they take it as a personal accusation or something.

oh well. if the shoe fits.

Parent

I don't get mad at them... (none / 0) (#65)
by kdog on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:23:18 AM EST

I just laugh at them and walk on by them.

I get mad when somebody tries to "mandate" their use...get the f*ck outta here.

Parent

I tend to agree (5.00 / 1) (#67)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:24:30 AM EST

it should be optional as far as I can see.

although I can understand why in a school . . .

Parent

Scrub the place down every night... (none / 0) (#72)
by kdog on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:30:13 AM EST

and call it a day...hold the petty tyranny, the schools resemble prisons too much as it is. Metal detectors, random searches, snitch programs, teaching to the standardized tests, mandated hand sanitization...jesus h. if I ever father a kid I'm gonna have to homeschool the little bastard:)

Parent

: That's like opposing mandatory seatbealts (none / 0) (#102)
by andgarden on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 12:09:52 PM EST

for kids, but insisting that extra padding be added to cars.

Parent

I agree (5.00 / 2) (#78)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:32:33 AM EST

particularly since some people seem intent on being willfully stupid. like some of my co-workers who scoff at the idea of staying home if you are sick.

Parent

: Wasting a paid day off... (none / 0) (#86)
by kdog on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:39:19 AM EST

while under the weather? Thats crazy talk man:)

Parent

Typhoid Mary... (none / 0) (#77)
by kdog on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:32:28 AM EST

you don't wanna know what I think about that DA:)

Parent

That a disease... (none / 0) (#145)
by kdog on Wed Sep 16, 2009 at 07:51:13 AM EST

is not a cage-able offense...we would all hope somebody with typhoid would voluntarily quarantine themselves out of concern for their fellow humans, but I don't believe the state has the right to lock you down if you refuse.

There is no right to be free from disease...

Parent

: You asked man:).... (none / 0) (#147)
by kdog on Wed Sep 16, 2009 at 08:06:56 AM EST

The world can either be a dangerous disease and violence riddled place...or a dangerous disease and violence riddled tyrannical place.
Her freedom wasn't just "limited", you make it sound like a drivers license suspension...her freedom was snuffed.

Parent

H1N1 is NOT (none / 0) (#103)
by gyrfalcon on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 12:11:10 PM EST

"significantly deadlier." That's nonsense. Plain old seasonal flu has far more, far more fatalities.

Parent

: It might be more infectious, though (5.00 / 1) (#105)
by andgarden on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 12:23:10 PM EST

Apparently most people don't have lingering immunity to H1N1.

Parent
: They aren't 100% sure he was healthy (none / 0) (#116)
by nycstray on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 01:37:59 PM EST

could have had undiagnosed asthma, etc.

Parent

Another sign of the right-wing implosion (5.00 / 1) (#57)
by scribe on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:19:53 AM EST

Little Green Footballs first goes "moderate", then gets ostracized by the rest of the wingnuts, and now is 404.

Not that anyone reads them, anymore.

: Another sign... (5.00 / 1) (#89)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:43:27 AM EST

...Tom Tancredo, apparently miffed that John McCain is playing king maker in the race for Bennet's Senate seat instead of him, calls the latest GOP entrant "not ready for prime-time".

Instead, he charged that Norton in recent weeks got talked into running by Arizona Sen. John McCain, a Norton family friend and political ally.
"Does John McCain have a right to do that? Sure. Do I have a right to (complain) about it? You bet," Tancredo said in an interview Monday night. "Jane Norton is a nice lady who I like. End of story. But I fear she is not ready for prime time."
Hmmm. Where have I heard this story before...

Parent

I dont think (5.00 / 3) (#62)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:22:06 AM EST

it works that way.

It most defeinitely (none / 0) (#99)
by Fabian on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 12:07:24 PM EST

does not work that way. I could have done without my dreams presaging my god father's suicide, thank you very much.

The others I've had were more trivial, but the experience is always bizarre.

Is it genetic? I was going to show my son the most efficient way to do a math problem. The first step is to guess a number the other person is thinking of. He proved more efficient than the algorithm. He picked the right number on the first try. :-/

Parent

I also think (none / 0) (#115)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 01:27:07 PM EST

kids are just better at it. I know I was as a child.

Parent

Perhaps. (none / 0) (#117)
by Fabian on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 01:38:46 PM EST

Sometimes precog is just picking up on patterns and since I think in terms of patterns, networks and the relationships connecting things, it's easier.

Real supernatural precog is different. I didn't have a close relationship with my godfather and hadn't been in contact with him - plus the dreams were unlike anything I'd had before or since.

Parent

when I was much younger (5.00 / 1) (#121)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 02:04:37 PM EST

I had many what you might call precog experiences. and other things. one thing that I used to think about a lot - and thought I was the only person who had the experience - I found out fairly recently is common enough to have a name. try googling "street light interference syndrome". it used to happen to me all the time. and it still happens to me but not a often.
if you look at "museumofhoaxes.com" you will find stuff like this:

Debbie Wolf explained that "she has to be in the right mood for her powers to work." I figured she would say that. It's the amazing power of cognitive dissonance at work.

I would explain it another way. for me its not about mood its about being completely lost in thought. so I would never say this is a willful act. it ONLY happens when I am completely lost in thought. which used to happen a lot when I was walking up and down the streets of Manhattan.
once many years ago I got on an elevator with two women I had never seen before and one of them was telling the other about what her boyfriend had told her about turning off streetlights with his mind. suddenly and as surprisingly to me as to them I blurted out "that happens to me!" they each moved one step further away from me. that was the first time I ever spoke of it and it was years before I did it again.
but the last time it happened to me was a couple of months ago.

Parent

Heh! (none / 0) (#123)
by Fabian on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 02:22:30 PM EST

For me it's things like listening to three people I know have a minutes long conversation that I knew word for word because I could swear that I dreamed it a couple nights before. I put it into the "Strange things happen to/around me." category.

Parent

: deja vu, yes (5.00 / 1) (#125)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 02:28:58 PM EST

that has not happened to me in a long time. another thing I used to do when I was a kid to amuse myself in the 4th or 5th grade was to make someone several seats up scratch a specific ear.
I could do it every time. it would amuse my friends also. and sometimes win bets.
also, before I knew better I used to amuse and amaze people by looking at a bog or cat and with out making a sound or changing my expression make them run away.
I now understand that to the animal that is no different than kicking them. but I was 10 or 11.

Parent

My daughter says today that she really (5.00 / 1) (#64)
by Militarytracy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:23:13 AM EST

really wants to hear Obama speak in person. She's a bot....she's twenty. Perhaps Obama will come to Birmingham for MLKs b-day. I'd pack everyone up, it's only about 2.5 hrs on the road.

Stop the presses (5.00 / 2) (#76)
by Militarytracy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:31:57 AM EST

Ben Bernanke says that technically the recession may be over now.

Hmmmm, but I wonder if technically the recession may not be over now too.

Of course he isn't officailly declaring the recession over and does say that unemployment may continue to rise....even as the recession may be over now. Someone explain this particular definition of recession technically over to me please.

simple (none / 0) (#79)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:33:21 AM EST

banks are making money again

Parent

: Ohhhhhhh (none / 0) (#88)
by Militarytracy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:41:24 AM EST

Thank you....cuz I just couldn't get that all lined up in my head :) I see that Citigroup says that we need to go now too. So we the American taxpayer must sell our stock for 1/3 of what we paid for it so they can stop having to listen to our input now?

Parent

Federal District Judge Jed S. Rakoff (5.00 / 1) (#119)
by MyLeftMind on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 02:00:38 PM EST

just decided to override the SEC's BS deal with Bank of America that would have let them off the hook for lying about Merrill Lynch employee compensation to get shareholders to approve BOA's Merrill buyout.

Good for Judge Rakoff for standing up for shareholders and questioning the old boys club backroom deals the SEC makes.

A lot going down in Flushing NY... (none / 0) (#3)
by kdog on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 09:57:20 AM EST

FBI and NYPD teaming up for a middle of the night raid...no arrests must mean no evidence was found, right?

Rep. Peter King calls it a "preventive raid", silly me thought the Bill of Rights didn't allow that type of thing.

Like Robert Nesta said..."you don't know who to trust".

They actually went and got warrants. (5.00 / 1) (#44)
by scribe on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:11:52 AM EST

Which, given the state of things today, was no small thing.

As I understand it, they are following some guy (with alleged AQ ties) from out west (Colorado) who suddenly decamped last week for NY. He showed up in Queens Thursday, popping up out of thin air at the places raided - homes of prior acquaintances.

The raid was looking for terra-related stuff.

And, yes, if they have an appropriate warrant they can seize just about anything they want.

Parent

: Thanks... (none / 0) (#49)
by kdog on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:14:29 AM EST

for the explaination, my good man.

Parent

Not right at all (none / 0) (#32)
by gyrfalcon on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 10:56:26 AM EST

Evidence has to be sorted out and anlyzed, especially when you're talking about things like computer drives and cell records, etc.

Parent

I'm confused... (none / 0) (#33)
by kdog on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 10:59:23 AM EST

if they aren't under arrest, the state can still seize their computers? That don't sound right either...unless there really are no rules in the post 9/11 world.

Parent

BINGO! (none / 0) (#66)
by Chuck0 on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:24:20 AM EST

Parent

Oh, come on (none / 0) (#98)
by gyrfalcon on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 12:04:27 PM EST

Surely even you have heard of things called search warrants? You know, those things that go through judges to be approved, where they have to spell out what they're looking for and why they think it could provide evidence of the crime they're investigating?

Surely you've watched a cop show or two, even if you don't read news accounts of ongoing investigations?

Parent

: scribe allready sorted me out.... (none / 0) (#110)
by kdog on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 12:44:50 PM EST

Thanks.

Parent

Search warrant. For the property, not the (none / 0) (#128)
by oculus on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 02:49:18 PM EST

residents/visitors.

Parent

Astronomy Photographer of the Year (none / 0) (#8)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 10:13:13 AM EST

2009 competition winners

Mars Rover.... (none / 0) (#40)
by desertswine on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:06:22 AM EST

might be stuck for good.

Parent

Aw, shoot. (5.00 / 2) (#50)
by scribe on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:15:12 AM EST

They went and high-centered it.

You would think NASA would have had someone with off-roading experience handy.... Let's hope they can get out of this one.

But, regardless, I have to give massive kudos to the engineers and techies who built the little guy. Scheduled to work for three months, and still perking along 5 years later without a mechanic stopping by. I wish my car had that kind of reliability....

Parent

: yeah (5.00 / 1) (#82)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:37:18 AM EST

that little guy was like the energizer bunny

Parent

Huh... (none / 0) (#97)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 12:03:09 PM EST

...I could have sworn I saw this exact same thing on Big Bang Theory.

Parent

A-hole of the day... (none / 0) (#11)
by kdog on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 10:28:44 AM EST

is this dude who enters a Ladies Poker Tournament in AC, the only piker male to enter, and wins the damn thing. Some poor lady with breast cancer trying to make some dough to live on as she recovers comes in second. Apparently gaming regs require casinos to take all comers, even in "ladies only" events.

Stay classy Mr. Gender Equality!

It's becoming increasingly obvious (none / 0) (#14)
by andgarden on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 10:35:02 AM EST

that Corzine is s¢rewed (PDF). He could turn this around, but I wouldn't put money on it.

Dems need to feel energized (5.00 / 2) (#20)
by magster on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 10:39:52 AM EST

for Corzine to win. That's why Emmanuel says we must support the Baucus plan!

Parent

Dems adopting the Baucus plan (5.00 / 1) (#30)
by MO Blue on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 10:53:38 AM EST

would not energized me. It would have the opposite effect. IMO it would be worse than no legislation.

Site restrictions prohibit me from commenting on what I think of Emmanuel and what he needs to do with his suggestions.

Parent

: I should have used a snark label (5.00 / 1) (#46)
by magster on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:13:16 AM EST

Parent
: Your prescription starts with (5.00 / 1) (#52)
by scribe on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:16:24 AM EST

"take the document and fold it until it's all corners," right?

Parent

I would be energized (5.00 / 2) (#38)
by TeresaInSnow2 on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:04:41 AM EST

if Democrats supported an actual health reform plan.

Insurance industry bailouts energize me to vote third party, because I honestly don't care who wins....

And I think that's what's happening here. Dagget or whatever his name is is giving disaffected voters "somewhere else to go".

Parent

Do you think PPP (none / 0) (#141)
by BackFromOhio on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 07:06:37 PM EST

is reliable?

Parent

: Yes (none / 0) (#144)
by andgarden on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:49:32 PM EST

And in any case, their results agree with all of the other public polls.

Parent

Art imitating life? (none / 0) (#28)
by Lahdee on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 10:52:51 AM EST

Beck Portrait with manure.

I just love that! (none / 0) (#35)
by Militarytracy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:02:10 AM EST

Parent

Maybe he'll (none / 0) (#48)
by Lahdee on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:14:10 AM EST

do one in chicken manure for Joe Wilson!

Parent

And I'm fine if he would choose (5.00 / 1) (#58)
by Militarytracy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:20:21 AM EST

a bit of ape to do Rush in :)

Parent

: Remember the huge fuss a few years (none / 0) (#135)
by oculus on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 03:07:29 PM EST

ago about the Virgin Mary portrayal in cow dung? Times have changed--or the "person" being portrayed.

Parent

Four mortars have landed in the Green Zone (none / 0) (#91)
by Militarytracy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:44:21 AM EST

from? (none / 0) (#93)
by Inspector Gadget on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:50:31 AM EST

who has mortars? Is the Iraqi army lobbing them?

Parent

: During Biden's Visit (none / 0) (#109)
by daring grace on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 12:38:38 PM EST

The shells were heard as they were fired from across the river on the east bank of the Tigris and at least one explosion could be heard.

Parent

You can only use... (none / 0) (#94)
by desertswine on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 11:59:52 AM EST

your superpowers for the benefit of others. Not yourself. I thought you would have known that.

: yeah (none / 0) (#126)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 02:31:08 PM EST

I think its like hearing high sounds. you just lose the ability to a certain extent the older you get. or most do. I am.

Parent

I hope (none / 0) (#108)
by Spamlet on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 12:32:14 PM EST

this video goes way viral:

http://tinyurl.com/n6gu5n

She calls her action "civil disobedience," which it is, since the banks own the government.

BTW, does the link button not work with the newest version of Firefox? Never had any trouble with links until I "upgraded" the other night. The new release seems significantly slower, too.

Hey, she's talking to Ken Lay (none / 0) (#118)
by MyLeftMind on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 01:51:27 PM EST

but that's not the BOA guy, it's Ken Lewis.

Anybody know of any class action lawsuits against BOA for predatory lending?

If not, want to start one?

Parent

: She acknowledges the mistake (none / 0) (#120)
by Spamlet on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 02:00:56 PM EST

in an onscreen dialogue balloon. But the guy might as well be Ken Lay.

Parent

oh dear (none / 0) (#127)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 02:36:13 PM EST

"A lot of people are going to take a look and see wht they can do to try to confront this presidency, which many of us -- as you're seeing from the tea parties and the like -- which many of us believe is injurious to America," Santorum said, saying the 2012 race is "something that I think I would consider."

"Fly me to the moon." See TL (none / 0) (#140)
by oculus on Tue Sep 15, 2009 at 06:34:13 PM EST

AP sidebar. But not a dime's increase in federal deficit attributable to health care reform. Makes sense, no?

Tuesday Morning Open Thread | 142 comments (142 topical)

Readers Must Login or Create an Account to Comment